Here at BrickHouse Security we get a lot of requests for tips about personal safety. Although you probably face what could be a dangerous situation everyday, there are some simple steps you can do to ensure your safety. The best practices come from a combination of technological and electronic devices, self defense techniques, and good old common sense. From learning how to avoid threatening circumstances to knowing how and when to use personal safety devices, we have compiled a list of the top ten tips for personal safety.

1. Be aware of your surroundings
Being alert and aware of your surroundings is the best defense you can have, especially when you are by yourself or outside at nighttime. Looking around you and being observant of the people near you can save you from a potentially dangerous situation. Planning ahead and knowing exactly where you’re going before you step outside gives you an advantage, especially if you are going to an unfamiliar place or neighborhood. People who look obviously lost are easily detectable and can be taken advantage of. If you are lost and need to ask for directions or help, go inside a well-lit public place such as a restaurant or store and ask an employee.

2. Follow your instinct
If your instinct is telling you to avoid something, chances are you should. Your instinct is one of the best self-defense techniques you can employ against attackers. If something doesn’t feel right, leave the situation immediately even if you don’t quite understand what is going on. Go to a safe place that is brightly lit and full of people. Don’t go home if you feel you are being followed.

The same logic applies if you suspect that you’re being followed by a car. One piece of advice is to make four consecutive right turns, so by the end you wind up where you started turning. If someone is following you, he or she will have followed you in those four turns. At this point you should not drive home. Instead drive to a populated, well-lit area or even to the police station.

3. Carry personal safety devices with you
There are many personal safety devices that are small, convenient, and easy-to-use. One option is to carry a Mace keychain to fit on your keychain for easy portability. Please read the fine print, however, as this device is not legal in every state. The 50 States Approved Pocket Mace Key Chain, on the other hand, can be used anywhere in the United States. Mace and pepper spray only render an assailant temporarily disabled and do not cause negative long-term effects. Even so, using such products is not legal everywhere so contact a trusted lawyer about the legal issues in your area.

4. Have a cell phone on your body at all times
While you should not be talking on your cell phone when you are alone, it is wise to have one on you at all times. Carry your phone in your hand or clip it to your pants, but do not leave it in your purse or bag. If an assailant takes your purse first, you have lost your most effective tool for communicating for help.

One cell phone you may want to consider using is the Cell Phone Stun Gun. This device will not cause any permanent damage to anyone but will leave you with enough time to escape. Just like the Key Chain Mace, this device is not available for legal use in every state, and we do not sell to these states to be in accordance with the law.

Remember that any call to 911, even on a cell phone, is free. If you cannot afford a cell phone, there are companies that offer free cell phones and other devices that make 911 calls for free.

5. Take a self-defense course
There is nothing more empowering than learning to physically defend yourself. Learning and practicing these techniques may save your life one day. You do not have to be an Olympic athlete to fight off an assailant; all fitness levels can do the techniques. These tricks come in handy especially if you are caught off-guard and are not prepared with a personal safety device. There are several self-defense techniques that are designed for different positions you may be caught in. You already have the tools necessary to fight off an assailant; by learning and practicing the techniques you will feel much more confident in your ability to protect yourself and they will become second nature even if they feel awkward at first. Please understand that instigating a fight that is not in self-defense is punishable by law.

6. GPS panic buttons
Some GPS devices, such as the Spark Nano Real-Time GPS Tracking Device, come with a panic button feature. If you are in a dangerous situation, this device allows you to send a message of distress to someone you have chosen as trustworthy, either by email or text message. The person on the receiving end will be alerted that you need help and can access your location in real-time. It is beneficial to have this device if you do not have a cell phone or it has been taken from you, as a back up to inform loved ones of your location. You can also push the panic button discreetly so your assailant is not even aware you are contacting for help.

7. Install security cameras outside and inside your home
Knowing your home is protected will make you feel more at ease. There are many types of home security cameras depending on the level of security you need. Many of these cameras have a motion-activation feature that starts recording the moment motion is incurred, and many of them work in low light situations. Some of these devices let you watch your video surveillance feed remotely online so you can tune into your security feed anywhere, anytime. If someone were to break into your home you would have high resolution footage evidence to give to the authorities.

8. Security alarms
Do you ever wonder what would happen if someone tried to break into your house or apartment while you were sleeping or away? With a home security alarm, you can rest easy knowing that your home is protected. The LaserShield Wireless Home Alarm System is an optimal choice because it requires absolutely no drilling and has a virtually hassle-free set-up. If a break-in attempt is sensed, the alarm will immediately go off. Most of the time just hearing the alarm will scare away burglars.

9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
This includes screaming if you feel something is wrong, even if you cannot see anyone else in the area. If someone is making you uncomfortable, scream something like, “No! Go away! Leave me alone!” Perhaps the person meant no harm but don’t feel sorry that you screamed at him. Being a little on edge is helpful because sometimes it actually is a potential assailant, and most of the time screaming at him will scare him off and leave you unscathed.

If the person tries to touch you or steal something from you, scream, “Help me! Emergency! Call 911!” Sometimes an assailant will not be deterred but by screaming you have a greater chance of witnesses. You may want to scream your location as well, so people who cannot see you can still know where you are.

10. Don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation
Understand your surroundings and be alert. If you are walking home at night don’t listen to your headphones or talk on your cell phone. You are likely to be distracted and will not be as alert as you should be. Doing these things is a red flag to a potential perpetrator because you are easier to sneak up on. Do not walk down dark, empty alleys-instead, travel only on streets that are well-lit and populated. If you can help it never walk alone at night, and always let someone you trust know when you should be arriving home.

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About the author ⁄ BrickHouse Security

BrickHouse Security is the industry's premier supplier of security and surveillance solutions. As a recognized authority in GPS tracking, hidden cameras, employee monitoring and compliance, video surveillance and counter surveillance, we help our customers use technology to get the clarity they need. We proudly serve consumers, businesses of all sizes and the law enforcement community. When you need to know, BrickHouse has the answers.

I have had to use Pepper Spray myself and found it to be very effective, it is easy to use and it works.I know that like any other form of self defense device, it has to be available and not buried in your purse. Stay alert and most of all choose not to be a victim.

I decided to take self defense class after watching increase rate on violence in the television. I am just a beginner and I am hoping that I will learn a lot from my class. I actually like what I am doing right now and hopefully I will be able to strengthen my body and mind so that I will be fearless when going out in the street.

I decided to take self defense class after watching increase rate on violence in the television. I am just a beginner and I am hoping that I will learn a lot from my class. I actually like what I am doing right now and hopefully I will be able to strengthen my body and mind so that I will be fearless when going out in the street.

Oh this topic… I decided to take his class defense after seeing the rate increase on violence in television. I’m just a beginner, and I hope that I’ll learn a lot from my class. I really like what I’m doing right now and hopefully I will have the opportunity to strengthen your body and mind so that I will be fearless, when out on the street. Nice to visit your site. Wish you post another good topic like this. I will wait to read it.

Oh this topic… I decided to take his class defense after seeing the rate increase on violence in television. I'm just a beginner, and I hope that I'll learn a lot from my class. I really like what I'm doing right now and hopefully I will have the opportunity to strengthen your body and mind so that I will be fearless, when out on the street. Nice to visit your site. Wish you post another good topic like this. I will wait to read it.

Excellent tips you are providing for keeping safe! As all should know keeping a constant diligence on your surroundings is of utmost importance. Carrying self defense weapons whether it be a pepper spray, stun gun, taser or personal alarm should be on every law abiding citizens list. Having your self defense weapon in the ready mode at all times coupled with alertness to your surroundings and staying in control of the situation at hand will help aid you in defending yourself.

Excellent tips you are providing for keeping safe! As all should know keeping a constant diligence on your surroundings is of utmost importance. Carrying self defense weapons whether it be a pepper spray, stun gun, taser or personal alarm should be on every law abiding citizens list. Having your self defense weapon in the ready mode at all times coupled with alertness to your surroundings and staying in control of the situation at hand will help aid you in defending yourself.